Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple

Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is also known as Narasimha Zarna Cave temple, and Jharani Narasimha Temple. Narasimha Jharni is a cave temple located in Bidar.
This temple is associated with Lord Narasimha, an incarnation (avatar) of Hindu god Vishnu. A famous cave temple popularly referred to as Jharani Narasimha Cave Temple is dedicated to self manifested deity of Narasimha Dev. To worship the deity of the temple, devotees have to pass through the cave which comprise of a continuously flowing stream of water.
The ancient temple is excavated in a 300 mtrs tunnel under the Manichoola hill range situated at around 1 km from the city. The water in the cave is about at the waist level with bats hovering at the ceiling.

The temple of Narasimha Jhira has a myth which mentions that the mighty Lord Narasimha first killed Hiranyakashipu and then proceeded to slay the demon Jalasura who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. After being killed by Lord Narasimha, the demon Jalasura turned into water and started flowing down the feet of the Lord Narasimha.

For this reason, people have to wade all the way through the water to reach the Lord. Recent arrangements were made to provide electricity and ventilation in this cave. You’ll need to take a quick bath in the water fountain located outside the Narasimha Jhira Cave temple.

The end of the cave houses two deities – Lord Narasimha and a Shiva Linga which the demon Jalasura had worshipped. Around eight people can stand and watch this spectacular sight as there is very little space here. Others will need to wait in the water.

Rayachoti Veerabhadra Swamy

The Veerabhadra Swamy temple is situated in Rayachoti which is the third biggest town in Kadapa District. This temple is built during the era of Vijayanagar Empire by the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple of Veerabhadra Swamy is considered to be 1000 years old and is supposed to be constructed during 12th century A.D. The renovation work of this temple is recently completed and it is attracting devotees in large numbers from all over the State. Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar used to visit this temple to offer prayers.

This is a temple for Lord Veerbadra with a tall tower. Daksha appears in worshipping form near the Lord in the sanctum sanctorum. The Shivalinga worshipped by Sage Mandavya is right of the Lord. First puja is dedicated to the Shivalinga and then to Lord Veerabadra. During morning hours Lord appears in Bala rupa-youth- and as a hero with a moustache in evening hours. As in Lord Vishnu temples, here too Sadari blessing with the lotus feet of the Lord is offered to devotees. Betel leaf is the prasada in the temple.

Sri Nandeeswarar blesses from a shrine with Vimana outside the Rajagopuram. Opposite the shrine of Lord Veerabadra there are two Nandhis-Veera Nandhi and Shiva Nandhi for Lords Veerabadra and Shiva. They are just a little away from the sanctum sanctorum. There is also a Nandhi before Ambica Badrakali.

Spilling the rice: Following Shivrathri pujas in February-March, Brahmmotsavam is celebrated for 11 days in the temple. Killing of Daksha event takes place on the eighth day. A quantity of 365 measures of rice is cooked with pumpkins and other preparations as Athirasam and roots. It is heaped as a hill. They spill it throughout the place with the sword of Lord Veerabadra violently as the yaga sala of Daksha was ransacked by Veerabadra according to the puranic story. This rice is offered as Prasad. During this event, Lord Veerabadra will have the forehead eye as Lord Shiva.
Daksha organized a yagna without inviting Lord Shiva purposely to humiliate Him. Angry Shiva sent Veerabadra to destroy the yagna and Daksha. Veerabadra was very furious. Meantime, Sage Mandavya was on penance on Lord Shiva seeking Veerabadra Darshan. Veerabadra granted darshan to the sage in His fury form. Sage begged Ambica to soften Him. Ambica appeared as Badrakali and cooled Him down. Sage further requested them to stay in the place of his penance. That place is now called Royachoti. A king built the temple later.

Sati was the youngest daughter of Daksha, the chief of the gods. When Sati grew up she set her heart on Shiva, worshipping him in secret. In the Swayamvara of Sati, Daksha invited all gods and princes except Shiva. Sati cast her wreath into air, calling upon Shiva to receive the garland; and behold him stood in midst of the court with the wreath about his neck. Daksha had no choice but to many Sati with Shiva. One day Daksha made arrangements for a great horse sacrifice, and invited all the gods omitting only Shiva. Sati was enraged by this deliberate exclusion of Shiva and set out to attend, and confront her father Daksha. She instructed her father that Shiva was in fact the Supreme Being of the Universe and demanded her father invite Shiva to no avail. Daksha then went on to insult Shiva; and as Sati's rage at the disrespect toward Shiva peaked, she declared to her father, "I will tolerate no more of your filth" and she released the inner consuming fire, and fell dead at Daksha's feet. Then Lord Shiva came to know about this incident through meditation and became furious at the non-righteous yagna. Shiva burned with anger, and tore a lock of hair, glowing with energy in Kailas. At that moment, was born the son of lord Shiva, lord Veerabhadra, the destroyer of agnana, sprang from it, his tall body reached the high heavens, he was dark as the clouds, he had a thousand arms, three burning eyes, and fiery hair; he wore a garland of skulls and carried terrible weapons. Veerabhadra bowed at Shiva's feet and asked his will. Shiva replied, 'Spoil the sacrifice of Daksha'. Then the mighty Veerabhadra, having heard the pleasure of his lord, bowed down his head to the feet of Shiva; and starting like a lion loosed from bonds, despoiled the sacrifice of Daksha, knowing that this had been created by the displeasure of Devi. She too in her wrath, as the fearful goddess Rudrakali, accompanied him, with all her train, to witness his deeds. - InVayu Purana Shiva directed Veerabhadra: "Lead my army against Daksha and destroy his sacrifice; fear not the Brahmans, for thou art a portion of my very self'. On this direction of Shiva, Veerabhadra appeared with Shiva's ganas in the midst of Daksha's assembly like a storm and broke the sacrificial vessels, polluted the offerings, insulted the priests and finally cut off Daksha's head, trampled on Indra, broke the staff of Yama, scattered the gods on every side; then he returned to Kailas. When confronted with Vishnu, according to Skanda Purana, Veerabhadra defeats Vishnu which seems improbable since Lord Vishnu is the killer of Demons. The Srimad Bhagavatam makes a mention about his pastime according to Srila Swami Prabhupada.

Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, Shiva, Ganesha, Bhadrakali, Bhairava, Subrahmanya are the main deities here.

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Katasraj Temple

Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has, according to Hindu legend, existed since the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile at the site and later Krishna himself laid the foundation of this temple and established his hand made Shiv ling in it. It is believed that Shiva lived the years of his marital life with Sati here, after Sati's death grief took over him and from his tears a pond was formed. The pilgrims bathe in the sacred pool and seek forgiveness as Hindu belief holds that bathing in the pond (especially on certain occasions) leads to the forgiveness of sins and helps attain salvation. Until recently, it was believed that the pond had unlimited depth. Even nowadays, worshippers of all Hindu faiths perform pilgrimage to the mandir.

Another legend claims that this site was visited by the Pandawa brothers of "Mahabharta" fame and this complex of temples was constructed to commemorate their visit. This region is said to be Dvaitavana, where the Pandavas lived during their exile and also where the series of questions were asked by yaksha to the Pandavas. The location of the Saat Ghara or Seven Temples is said to be the place where the Pandavas made their home during their 12 year exile.

Yet another version of the Shiva legend involves the death of Shiva's horse Katas instead of that of Sati his consort. Some legends also state that very first Shiva Ling (Sihv-Ling) was in Kattas. some old manuscripts also consider Katas as the janam bhoomi (birthplace) of Hindu incarnation Rama, as well as that of Ayodhya; but this has become quite controversial.The oral tradition by local Hindus never mentioned it as being Rama's birthplace or celebrated in annual rituals.
The Katas site houses the Satgraha, a group of seven ancient temples, remains of a Buddhist stupa, a few medieval temples, havelis and some recently constructed temples, scattered around a pond considered holy by Hindus.

The Ramachandra Mandir is situated to the east of the Hari Singh Haveli and is closed from all sides except for an entrance on the east. The double-storied structure has eight rooms of various dimensions on the ground floor and a staircase at the south leading to the first floor. The mandir has two jharokas (balconies) that have been severely damaged.

The Hanuman Mandir is on the western extreme of a high rectangular enclosure with entrances on the south and the north. The temple's ceiling is undecorated, and lime-plastered.

The Shiva temple is also built on a square platform. Its entrance is a recessed round arch with faint cusps and a rectangular opening to the north.

The temple complex was abandoned by Hindus when they migrated to East Punjab in 1947 and no one stayed back. The relationship of Hindus with local Muslim population was very good. Local Muslims even accompanied them to next town Choa Saiden Shah from where the Katas Hindu population proceeded further to India. It has always been the site of holy pilgrimage for people of Hindu faith from northern Punjab. For decades the temple complex was in bad state. The holy pond was littered with garbage, while the murals inside the temples disappeared due to the ravages of time and the neglect of the authorities.

In 2006-07, Pakistan decided to place murtis of Hindu gods in the seven mandirs and restore them to their original state to attract visitors. The government decided to import idols of Hindu gods from various monuments in India to Pakistan for the restoration. A three-member archaeological team visited neighbouring India, Sri Lanka and Nepal to collect murtis of Hindu gods. Efforts are underway by Pakistan Government through the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to make Katas Raj Temple as one of the prominent tourist sites along M-2 Lahore Islamabad Lahore Motorway.

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Mahadev Khola Dham

The place of worship belongs to (Lord Shiva) and is known as (Mahadev Khola Dham). Spiritual faith says that the 1st person to stopover in this location was a sadhu known as (Lakhiya Baba) who approached this place to ponder some (150 years) ago. This area was a bushy jungle at that point of time. It is believed that the major of Subhedar,Gurkha Rifles Battalion saw a sadhu appareled in red dress with a necklace of rudraksh in his vision. The sadhu ordered to search him and erect a small temple at the place.

As soon as he woke up, he along with all his army started searching and were surprised to find a Shivling. Now the current place of worship is the location of that quarry. Soon, parishioners started visiting this location and a concrete temple was built here. Slowly, people of diverse (Hindu community) came ahead and erected other places of worship for other goddesses and gods all over the chief site. You will find temples of Baba Ramdeo Maharaj,Tulsi Mata,Laxmi Narayan,Gauri Shankar Mahadev,Ganesh Durga,Lakshman Parivar,Surya Narayan,Bajrang Bali etc.On the side, there is a tiny opening where a small idol of Lord Shiv is placed. It is said that this cave leads to the sanctified Kamakhya Temple located in Guwahati and is said that the embodiment of (Lord Shiva) walked through this small cave. A story goes around this as it is said that a local also passed through this path and he reached a pond, which is supposed to be heaven. He was warned by the almighty not to reveal what he saw there or else he would turn to a stone. However, he could not resist and he narrated everything to the sadhus sitting outside the cave. As a result, he turned into a massive stone.

Whatever may be the truth, the Mahadev Khola Dham is very popular with the devotees who come here in large numbers to pray and ask for boons. All around the Mahadev Khola Dham are other temples said to have been constructed by the faithful devotees who came here. The temple has a steady stream of devotees visiting here daily, but it is during the festivals that this place really comes to its own. This cave-temple is believed to be 150 years old. Shivratri is celebrated with religious fervor and the temple and its surroundings are packed with devotees and visitors, reveling in the festivities

Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (also called Uma Maheshwara Temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva

Yaganti in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (also called Uma Maheshwara Temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple dates back to 5th and 6th centuries with contributions from Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara rulers. The temple received significant contribution from Vijayanagara Kings Harihara & Bukka Rayalu, who finished the construction of several structures in and around the temple. The Uma Maheshwara Temple at Yaganti houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi (Ardhanareeswara) carved out of a single stone. This is probably the only place where Lord Shiva is worshiped in an idol form instead of Shiva Linga. It is believed that Sage Agastya performed penance for Lord Shiva at this place and requested Shiva to appear in Ardhanareeswara form which is worshiped here. Another unique feature of the temple is Nandi statue which has been growing in the size. An amazing feature of this temple is its Pushkarini with very pure water. No one knows how the water flows into Pushkarini in all the seasons. Devotees consider that a bath in the holy Pushkarini before visiting Shiva is highly beneficial. It is also a belief that people performed Pradakshinas, rounds around the idol of Nandi years ago. One of the pillars of the temple has been removed due to the increasing size of the idol. Following sage Agastya, Potuluti Veera Brahman, the 17th century A.D. prophet also measured the Nostradamus prediction of India. He resided in Yaganti for quite a period of time and Yaganti Temple caves are also remarkable about the place. As per the Potuluri Veera Brahman, the Basavanna which is the idol of Nandi will come alive and bellow when Kaliyuga ends. There are three caves near the temple. Agastya Cave, Sri Venkateswara Cave and Sri Potuluri Veera Brahman Cave.

Legend says that when saint Agastya was performing penance towards Lord Shiva at Yaganti, crows around the temple disturbed his penance. Irritated by crows, the sage Agastya cursed the crows that it cannot enter the place. And even today, we cannot find crows in the temple premises of Sri Uma Maheswara temple.

Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple Akasha Deepam: The temple priest used to lit lamp using 4 litres of oil and 2-meter thick wick on an everyday basis. This was done in the evening on a ledge behind Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. The lamp burns from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm in an open air on the top of the hill.

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Mysterious Padmanabhaswamy temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thiruvananthapuram, India. The shrine is currently run by a trust headed by the royal family of Travancore. The Maharajahs of Travancore are Cheras and descendants of the great saint Kulashekhara Alwar.

The Temple is a replica of the famous Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple at Thiruvattar. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple gave its name to Kerala’s state capital - Thiruvananthapuram. Among other things, the temple is famous for having a secret vault that no human can ever open easily.

The principal deity, Padmanabhaswamy, is enshrined in the "Anantha-sayanam" posture (in the eternal sleep of Yoga-nidra on the serpent Anantha). The Maharajah of Travancore bears the title, "Sree Padmanabhadasa’ (Servant of Lord Padmanabha).It is said that only those who profess the Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple. Devotees have to strictly follow a dress code.

The temple is one of 108 Divya Desams (Holy Abodes of Vishnu) – principal centres of worship of the deity in Vaishnavism. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Tamil Alvar saints (6th–9th centuries CE), with structural additions to it made throughout the 16th century CE, when its ornate Gopuram was constructed.

In the sanctum sanctorum, Sri Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation. The Lord's right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam. Sridevi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. Brahma emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord. The deity is made from 12,000 saligramams.


These saligrams are from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal, and to commemorate this certain rituals used to be performed at the Pashupatinath Temple. The deity of Sri Padmanabha is covered with, "Katusarkara yogam", a special ayurvedic mix, which forms a plaster that keeps the deity clean. The daily worship is with flowers and for the abhishekam, special deities are used. The platforms in front of the vimanam and where the deity rests, are both carved out of a single massive stone. The Deity is visible through three doors – the visage of the reclining Lord and Siva Linga underneath the hand is seen through the first door; Sridevi and Divakara Muni in Katusarkara.

The temple derives his name from the position of Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord's navel.Among the six kallaras or chambers in the Temple, Bharatakkon Kallara (Chamber B) is very closely associated with Sri Padmanabhaswamy. It is not a part of the Temple Treasury. The holy Chamber houses a Srichakram, an idol of Sri Padmanabha and many valuables meant to enhance the potency of the Principal Deity.

In 2011, the Supreme Court of India sent a seven member committee to the temple. In the presence of the Head Trustee of Travencore Trust of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, the temple's six secret vaults were opened. When opened, the vault contained diamond jewellery, golden utensils, weapons, golden idols, golden elephants idols and diamond necklaces having 500 kilograms weight and 18 feet length and bags full of golden coins of different nations.

For documentation purposes, these vaults have been designated as vaults A, B, C, D, E and F. While the rest of the vaults are at least opened eight times in a year, the main vault is Vault B. This chamber is being considered by the Trust members and other learned astrologers of India, as a highly mysterious, sacred and risky and dangerous to unveil it. The chamber B is considered to be fixed to the secret chamber with the ‘naga bandham’ or ‘naga paasam’ ‘mantras’ by the then ‘sidda purashas’ who lived during the reign of king marthandavarma in the 16th century.

It is said that a door of such a secret vault can be opened by a highly erudite ‘sadhu’ or ‘mantrikas’ who are familiar with the knowledge of extricating ‘naga bandham’ or ‘naga pasam’ by chanting a ‘garuda mantra'; so except in this way, the door can't be opened by any means by anyone. If any human attempts are made with man-made technology to open the mysterious Chamber-B other than by chanting highly sacred and powerful ‘GARUDA MANTRAS’ by a highly sacred ‘SADHUS’ or ‘MANTRIKAS’, catastrophes are likely to occur in and around the Temple premises or through out India.

It is said that chanting the Garuda Mantra by a powerful ‘SADHU’ or ‘YOGI’ proceeds to automatically open the door and no human effort is needed to open it in any other way. It is said that Vedic Astrologers of India tried to open the door, once but they were unable to do so. It is said that If this mantra is chanted properly by some Sadhu, only then will the door open. Else, mighty serpents guarding the door will wreak havoc on those who try to open the door.

यशोदा माता मंदिर इंदौर...

यशोदानंदन कृष्ण कन्हैया के तो देश-विदेश में हजारों मंदिर हैं, लेकिन इंदौर के राजबाड़ा क्षेत्र स्थित यशोदा मंदिर शायद पूरे विश्व में एकमात्र ऐसा मंदिर है जहां मां यशोदा कान्हा को अपनी ममता की छाया में समेटे हुए हैं। ये मंदिर लगभग दो सौ साल पुराना है। मंदिर में यशोदा मैया की गोद में बाल रूप में श्रीकृष्ण बैठे हुए हैं। इनके अलावा नंदबाबा और राधा-कृष्ण की प्रतिमाएं भी मंदिर में विराजित हैं।


बैलगाड़ी से लाए थे यशोदा मैया की प्रतिमा

यशोदा माता रोड पर बने यशोदा मंदिर के पुजारी महेन्द्र दीक्षित बताते हैं कि उनके परदादा ने लगभग 222 साल पहले इस मंदिर की स्थापना की थी। उन्हें यशोदा माता का मंदिर बनाने की प्रेरणा उनकी माताजी ने ये कहकर दी थी कि कन्हैया को तो सारा संसार पूजता है, लेकिन उनको पालने पोसने वाली यशोदा मैया को सब भूल गए हैं। माताजी की यह बात सुन उन्होंने यशोदा मंदिर की स्थापना का संकल्प लिया था। उस समय जयपुर में मूर्ति बनवाई थी। इंदौर से बैलगाड़ी लेकर उनके परदादा जयपुर गए थे और वहां से मूर्ति लेकर आए थे।

बड़ी है यशोदा, छोटे हैं नंदबाबा

महेंद्र दीक्षित के अनुसार शुरू में यहां अपनी गोद में कन्हैया को खिलाते हुए यशोदा मैया की प्रतिमा थी। बाद में नंदबाबा की मूर्ति लाई गई। इसके बाद राधा-कृष्ण और फिर दाई मां की मूर्ति की स्थापना भी की गई। खास बात यह है कि यहां यशोदा माता की प्रतिमा बड़ी है और नंद बाबा की छोटी।

कृष्ण जैसे पुत्र की कामना से महिलाएं करती हैं पूजन

इस मंदिर में हर गुरुवार को महिलाएं चावल, नारियल और अन्य सामान से यशोदा माता की गोद भरती हैं। ऐसी मान्यता है कि यशोदा माता की गोद भरने वाली महिलाओं की गोद मैया उन्हें कृष्ण जैसा पुत्र देकर भरती हैं। जन्माष्टमी पर भी दूर-दूर से आई महिलाएं मैया की गोद भरेंगी।

Manyamkonda Temple

Manyamkonda is one among the places of religious importance in Mahbubnagar district. As the place was originally a thick forest and the hill on which Lord Venkateswara established himself was in the heart of the forest, this place is called 'Mannemkonda' ('Mannem' is forest and 'Konda' is hill), 'Manyamkonda' and 'Mannemkonda'.

The most important place of attraction in the village is the shrine of Lakshmi Venkateswara on a hill 915 m high at a distance of 2 km from the village. Against the back wall appears the idol of Lord Venkateswara Swamy claimed by devotees to be 'self-manifested' resembling the idol at Tirupati.
The shrine at a height of 915 m which is 500 years old making the visit to the temple is blissful one.
During the past, it is said that ancient saints like Narasimha Yogi, Kasirayalu, Ettepu Ramayogi, Veerappaiah, Yanumaddhasu have meditated here and hence this place was called as Munulakonda (Munulu means Saints and Konda means hill) and later as days passed by it has been referred as Mannemkonda or Manyamkonda.

The temple is located in a cave here which is inclined and settled on top of three hills. Main Deity here is Lord Venkateshwara Swamy and this place is also known as Harihara Kshetra. It is ideal to visit the temple during the time of ‘Jathara’ which is celebrated every year during the months of January and February. Usually the festival is held on the day of ‘Maha Purnima’. This place is also well called as ‘Palamoor Tirupathi’.

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Vontimitta Kodanda Rama Swamy

This 450 year-old ancient temple is located at a distance of 25KM from Kadapa town on Kadapa-Tirupati Highway route. Vontimitta, Sri KodandaRama Swamy temple is the abode of Lord Srirama along with his consort Sita Devi and Lakshmana Swamy. The other deities located inside the Garbha Griha(Sanctum Sanctorum) are Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya Swamy, Sriman Narayana(Lord Vishnu) along with his consorts Goddess Bhudevi and Sridevi. Namma Allvaru, Kulashekhara Allvaru and Periya Allvaru are also been seen inside the temple. The temple depicts artistic skill of the Vijayanagara architectural style, which was said to be in existence from 16th century. The temple is believed to be built by Vontudu and Mittudu. Vontudu and Mittudu was earlierly said to be robbers and was later became the great devotees of Lord Rama. According to a legend, the two disciples of lord Rama, Vontudu and Mittudu, had built the temple in one single day. After constructing it, they sacrificed their lives in the name of lord and transformed into statues. These statues can be seen even today as soon as you enter the temple. It is also believed that the idol of Lord Sri Rama was installed by Lord Jambuvantha. This temple is the only holy place in the country where Sri Seeta Rama Kalyanam is held in the night. Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, a great devotee of Lord Rama lived on Tallapaka village very close to Vontimitta and is said to have visited Vontimitta temple and praised Lord Sri Rama in his Keerthanas. Also, Kishkindakanda is believed to have happened in this region.

Kodanda Rama Swamy temple has been notified as an Ancient Monument (N-AP-50) by Archaeological Survey of India. The two sacred Theertham (temple tank) of Kodanda Rama Swamy temple are Rama theertham and Lakshmana theertham. The temple has three Gopurams, monumental tower, facing east, north and south. The east facing tower is the central tower which is a five tiered structured building. The mandapam of the temple contains 32 pillars and hence it is called as Madhyarangaradapam.

The state government of Andhrapradesh is officially declared to celebrate "Sri Rama Navami Utsavam" in the temple in a grand manner from the year 2015 onwards.

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Erawan Shrine- Shrine of Lord Brahma

The Erawan Shrine, formally the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine ("Shrine of Lord Brahma the Great"), is a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god of creation Lord Brahma. A popular worship attraction, it often features performances by resident Thai dance troupes, who are hired by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered.

In 1951, Police General Phao Sriyanont commissioned the construction of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel at the Ratchaprasong Intersection in order to accommodate government visitors from overseas. It is said that a series of accidents occurred during the initial stage of the construction.

When the construction was nearly completed in late 1956, the Syndicate of Thai Hotels and tourists Enterprises Limited, the management of the hotel, requested Rear Admiral Luang Suvichanpat, Royal Thai Navy Chief Medical Officer, who was an expert in astrology, to find an auspicious time for the hotel’s grand opening. Rear Admiral Luang Suvichanpat advised that the accidents happened because no ceremony was conducted to tell sacred beings that dwelled in the area about the construction.

Moreover, the hotel’s foundation stone laying ceremony was not perform at the right time. “Erawan” is considered a sacred name since it is the name of Indra’s elephant; therefore, it was necessary to make offerings in a proper manner. To make things right, they needed to seek blessings from Brahma (Phra Phrom) to ward off all mishaps and immediately build the Erawan Shrine where Brahma is housed after the hotel’s construction was completed. A spirit house must also be set up inside the hotel.

The Erawan Shrine is a sacred shrine and is respected by Thais and foreigners. Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is Brahman, not strictly Buddhist. And yet, this famous shrine attracts more visitors than many of the city's temples. Each day, countless followers travel to the shrine to make offerings. Many tourists arrange a visit specifically to the shrine. Besides having peace of mind and being loved by others, people pray to the shrine for their wishes to come true. Once their prayers are answered, some will arrange a Menora performance (Lakhon Chatri) or Thai classical dance before Brahma while others offer carved wooden elephants in return. Seeking blessing, people offer flower garlands with 7 colors and about 4 meters in length to Brahma, paste gold leaves on his elephants and sprinkle holy water onto themselves for good luck. Praying to Brahma is believed to boost mental and physical strength. In fact, every believer of every religion shall give love to each other before expecting that others love them, and shall also love all things that call for pure love.

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Budhanilkantha Temple

Budhanilkantha Temple is located at the base of the Shivapuri hill, at the northern side of the Kathmandu valley. The temple is also known as mystical Budhanilkantha temple or Narayansthan temple. ‘Budhanilkantha’ literally means ‘Old Blue Throat’.

The main statue is a black stone structure carved from a single block of black basalt. The statue stands 5 meters tall (around 16.4 feet) and is positioned in the middle of a recessed pool of water, which is 13 meters (42.65 feet) long. It depicts the deity reclining on the coils of the cosmic serpent Shesha.
The sculpture from the 5th century represents Vishnu’s sleeping in the cosmic ocean while resting on Ananta Sesa the thousend headed snake.

Vishnu is lying with in his four hands the typical Vishnu symbols like the on the picture clearly visible discus (chakra), left of Vishnu’s head. The chakra is Vishnu’s main weapon to fight demons.

The sleeping Vishnu is located around 15 km north of the center of Kathmandu.

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Badshah Halwai ( Shiv Temple)

Badshah Halwai Mandir is at the top of a hill, an Ancient Cave from the period of Rani Durgawati, is also nearby Gwarighat(Narmada River).

A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which has an interesting history which dates back to Kalchuri Dynasty It is believed that the Temple was constructed during 17-18 century and the statues are also from the same era.

Long back the temple renovation was done by Halwai ( people who prepare sweetmeat ) hence this temple became popular as Badshah Halwai Mandir. The influence of Pandav and Chola dynasty can also be seen on the temple architecture.

Here Panchmukhi Shiva resides with his family- Shiva Pariwaar. Opposite to the main temple is the temple of Goddess Sati ( some claim this to be Goddess Parwati).

The other deities- Lord Hanuman, Lord Radha-Krishna and Lord Bhairavare also placed along the temple stairs.

A special kind of raw material is used for the renovation work of this temple. Along with brick powder, clay, Lime, Bel fruit powder, Jaggery, Urad daal is mixed.

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Shree Chintaman Siddha Ganesh Mandir Sehore

This Temple is of historical importance as its dates back to the time of Maharaja Vikrmaditya. Sehore was commonly known as Siddhpur in the kingdom of Vikramaditya. Chintaman Ganesh Temple is situated in the west-north of Sehore.

It is said that the statue in this temple was established by Vikramaditya upon inspiration from Lord Ganesha. The legend states - About 2000 years ago, The king of Ujjayani (Avantika) used to worship the lord Chintaman Ganesh in the fort of Ranthambore every Wednesday.One day the lord Ganesh appeared in a king's dream and said, "I will appear in the form of Lotus flower on Shiva-Parvati confluence in Sevan river which is 10 to 15 Km in the west from the temple. Collect that flower and bring it with you" As instructed the king collected the flower and left for Ujjayni. On the way he heard the divine voice, "Oh king you have only one night to take me anywhere you want. As the sun will rise then i'll turn into an idol and stay right there".

On the way the wheel of chariot got stuck in the muddy road and couldn’t be pulled out in spite of massive efforts. As soon as there was sun rise the flower turned in to Lord Ganesha’s idol which was also half buried in to the ground. Efforts were made to pull out the statue but all efforts went in vein. The King finally decided to leave the idol there thinking this was Lord Ganesha’s wish and decided to build a temple at the same site.

At present the eyes of idol are made up of silver but the locals claim they were made of diamond and some 150 years ago they were stolen. For 21 days milk continuously flowed from the idol’s eye spot and finally Lord Ganesha appeared in the priest’s dream and instructed him to place eyes made of silver. The priest followed the instructions and placed new eyes made of silver. A huge bhandara was organized on this occasion and since then every year bhandara is organized to commemorate this event. A huge temple fair is also organized in which locals and people from nearby cities participate.
Every month on Ganesh Chaturthi tithi, bhandara is organized to thank Lord Ganesha who saved this village from plague some 60 years ago.

People make wish here by making reverse Swastika and once the wish is fulfilled they come and make correct Swastika.

On the occasion of Lord Ganesh's birthday, a 10 day fair is organized every year and thousands of people visit the temple to seek divine blessings.

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Narmadakund

Narmadakund and its vicinity located in the heart of the city of Amarkantak are one of the most significant parts of Amarkantak. This is the place where it is believed that the river Narmada originated. Legend has it that River Narmada was created by Shiva to wash away the sins occurred by celestial beings (Devas) while annihilating demons. This divine incident happened on Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami or the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Magh month.

The place is surrounded by 16 stone temples like the Narmada Temple, Lord Shiva Temple, Annapurna Temple, Guru Gorakhnath Temple, Shri Ram Janki Temple and Shri Radha Krishna Temple. Narmadakund covers a sprawling area of 6 acres of land and comprises over 23 statues of various idols.There are two temples facing each other and connected with a Mandapa. One is known as Narmada Udgam and the other is known as Narmada Mai temple.

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Koti Lingeshwara Temple

Sri Umaparthiva Kotilingeshwara Kshethram was established in Siddipet Town. The Sankalp (Idea) to construct this Kshethram was initiated by Sri Sri Sri Parama Hamsa Madanananda Swamy., Sri T. Mallaiah, Sri T. Rangaiah, Sri T. Kotaiah, Sri T. Lingaiah and Sri. T. Rajesham sons of Late Sri Tadkamadla Veeraiah – Rangamma are working hard continuously for its multifaceted development.

Sri Sri Sri Madananada Swamy’s Pre Ashrama (earlier) name was Laxminarayana. He was born on Shravana Shudha Dashami of Shobha Kruthu (1902) Samvastaram at Tekmal (V & M) of Medak Dist. Ravi Koti Narsamma and Narahari were his parents. Shreethi Koundinyasa was his Gothram.

Since childhood Swamiji possessed with Vairagya features & thinking (detachment) daily he used to do ‘Anna Danam’ (Free Feeding). He entered into “Thuriyashramam” with the blessings of Sri Madhavananda Swamy the head of Sri Sadananda Ashramam of Basava Kalyan. This ceremony was performed in Vyshakamasa of Paribhavi year. He installed several Devatha Murthis ( Idols) at Sangameshwara Temple of Koppole.

Lord Vaishnava Murthulu ordered him in a swapna (dream) to construct and establish temple of Parthiva (Earth) Lingams. In Kaliyuga worship of Parthiva Lingams is important and significant.

On the basis of yuga worship of Ratna (diamond) Lingam in Krutha Yuga, Swarna (Golden) Lingam in Thretha Yuga, Rasa Lingam, In Dwapara Yuga and Parthiva (Earth) Lingam in Kaliyuga is important and significant to obtain and get ‘Vishesha Phalam’ (Special Fruits of Reward). People who worship one crore lingams will be rewarded with infinite fruits of returns.

Therefore Swamyji started searching for suitable place to establish and construct Kotilingeshwara Temple. Swamyji’s devotees suggested the names of their respective villages, but Swamyji was not satisfied. At the same time one devotee from Siddipet accidentally had Swamyjis Darshan at Koppole village. At this time unexpectedly and suddenly an idea erupted to Swamiji. He asked his devotees to write the name of village (place) where they want temple on a piece paper and keep at the feet of Lord Sangameshwara Swamy. Then he ordered one devotee to pickup one piece of paper. As per the wish of Bhagvan that piece of paper contained the name of Siddipet. Swamyji bewildered and was in state of confusion because Siddipet is unknown place to him and there were non of his devotees and disciples. How to build Kotilingala Temple in such a place was not understandable. On the order of Lord Koppole Sangameshwara Swamy Madanananda Swamiji arrived in Siddipet in Jyestamasa of Rakshasa Nama Samvastaram and stayed at Sharabeshwaralayam. There devotees have made Parthiva (Earth) Lingams.

There are 12 temples and 148 idols in this Kshethram. The broad and well built wide mukha mandapam with 36 pillars is a special attraction to the temple.

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